The VT52 was a particularly economical audio power valve (heater power = 1.26W) and was used where very large numbers of valves were required (eg. in telephone exchanges), consuming power throughout the night when nothing much was happening but it was essential for the whole system to be instantly ready for an emergency.

Their power output capability was small by domestic radio standards but entirely adequate for a telephone line driver. The VT52 was used in very large numbers by the Post Office Telephones system but was also used to a smaller extent in Services equipment. We are uncertain whether it is numbered in the RAF or POVT series but we suspect the latter since it is a late 1930s valve.

The commercial equivalent is the Mullard EL32.

As a single ended output stage the power is 2.8W, suitable for audio output in a transceiver. When operated in push pull the pair can deliver 7 W at 1.5% distortion. This could be used for a transmitter modulator for a low power phone transmitter.

The classic envelope is 33 mm in diameter and, excluding the IO base pins, is 92 mm tall.

 
Pin Connections

IO	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	tc
	-	h	a	g2	-	-	h	k	g1

 
Absolute Maximum Operating Conditions

Pentode	Vh	Ah	Va	Vs	Vg	mAa	mAs	ra	gm	Pout	D
	6.3	0.2	250	250	-18	32	5	70,000	2.8	2.8	10%

This exhibit was last updated on 21 January 2003